A Tory MP has come out as trans in a deeply personal statement today - making them the first MP in British history to make the announcement.
Jamie Wallis, the Tory MP for Bridgend in South Wales since 2019, shared the news on their website earlier today (March 30). In the statement, Dr Wallis said: “I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be. I’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I’ve felt this way since I was a very young child.
"I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud. Being an MP and hiding something like this was always going to be tough, but I arrogantly assumed I was up for it. Well, I’m not."
In the post, Wallis revealed that there was a ‘close call’ of being outed in April 2020 after someone blackmailed them and outed them to their father. “He wanted £50,000 to keep quiet,” Dr Wallis said. “The police were so supportive, so understanding and on this occasion the system worked. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 2yrs and 9mnths in prison.”
Since the statement was shared, Dr Wallis has been praised by campaigners and MP colleagues. The Mirror reports Liz Truss, Minister for Women and Equalities, as writing: "Well done Jamie Wallis for speaking out and your brave statement. We stand with you."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who last night made a joke about trans issues in a speech to MPs, tweeted: "Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you @JamieWallisMP for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others.
"The Conservative Party I lead will always give you, and everyone else, the love and support you need to be yourself."
Boris Johnson also began today's PMQs (March 30) by saying that the house stands with MP Jamie Wallis who has come out as transgender. Mr Johnson said: "I know that the house stands with you and gives you the support to live freely as yourself."
Tory party chairman Oliver Dowden said: "Proud of my colleague Jamie Wallis. As a Conservative family we stand together, and we will support you. I hope that your brave statement will help others." Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy posted: “An incredibly brave and dignified statement from @JamieWallisMP. This sends a powerful message to the whole of the Commons and the whole of the country.”
Labour's Angela Eagle tweeted: "This is very brave. Look after yourself and take the time you need to recover." Labour MP Chris Bryant added: "Dear Jamie I wish you all the very best. Colleagues across the House will respect your openness honesty and the journey you are on. Cwtch."
Olivia Blake, Labour MP for Sheffield Halam, added: “@JamieWallisMPI don't think we've ever crossed paths but I wanted to say as a fellow LGBT+ MP that this is an incredibly brave and honest statement. I hope this is met with only kindness and understanding.” Withington MP Jeff Smith said: “Brave and dignified statement. Well done. Stay strong."
Members of the LGBTQ+ community also spoke in praise of Dr Wallis. Trans charity Mermaids wrote: “We are moved to hear @jamieWallisMP coming out as on their trans journey. It's saddening to also read all that he has been through. Congrats on being the UK's first trans MP, we look forward to working with you.”
Artist and campaigner Daniel Lismore said: “There’s a whole community who love you unconditionally and support you for who you are so just call on us. Keep being you. Solidarity.”
In a tweet to Boris Johnson, the artist added: “Trans people deserve better in this country. Please help to stop the unnecessary hate discrimination bigotry towards them. I hope @JamieWallisMP can help you lead the way on this and make the UK a safer place. It needs to start with the press & the hate they spew daily."
Dr Wallis was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit after colliding into a lamp post in November. In their recent statement, the MP wrote: "I fled the scene. I did so because I was terrified. I have PTSD and I honestly have no idea what I was doing except I was overcome by an overwhelming sense of fear. I am sorry that it appears I 'ran away' but this isn’t how it happened in the moment."
The MP praised the support of colleagues and Conservative whips, after Boris Johnson hosted a dinner for Tory MPs at a London hotel. According to reports, the Prime Minister opened his speech with a joke saying: "Good evening ladies and gentleman, or as Keir Starmer would put it, people who are assigned female or male at birth."
However, Dr Wallis wrote: "Tonight, I was reminded of the incredible support those you work with can provide. Also, I was reminded how important it is to be yourself. I have never lived my truth and I’m not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone."
